Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I started the Harry Potter series, I thought they were going to be a pleasant diversion . . . a little escape from everyday life. Little did I know I was about to become obsessed with a teenage wizard and his adventures. This fifth book in the series literally sucked me in with drama and adventure. Harry is growing up and has hit moody adolescence with gusto. And, somehow mirroring his inner turmoil, trouble finds him in the form of a toad like teacher. While not my favorite of the series, I enjoyed every page of this book . . . including the heartbreaking ending.

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Thankful in Idaho

Visiting my parents is always an adventure in relaxation. The journey starts with short plane ride; Horizon Air offers a flight every day. This journey isn't without it's ups and downs . . . on the plus side, you get a complimentary microbrew or glass of wine (last night it was a lovely sauvignon blanc); on the minus side, the propeller plane they fly is just a tad bit bumpy (I almost tossed my cookies). But a mere 2 hours after leaving home, we arrived to a steamy 27 degrees in Boise, ID.

In honor of our relaxing Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to share this awesome video that can be seen during any Boise State University game. Enjoy!



P.S. A word to the wise, if you can avoid sitting behind a kid with an EXTREMELY poopy diaper, do so. It does not make queasiness any better. I'm just saying.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite of the Harry Potter series to date.

updated review.
Now that I've started on book #5 of the series, I feel like I need to elaborate on my earlier statement. While I thorougly enjoyed the first 3 books in the series, this installment made me a Harry Potter junky. He is definitely growing up fast! This book goes from entertaining, to moderately creepy to just plain thrilling in a matter of pages. Add to that the rich characters and intense images and I'm a goner. I may even finally watch the movies.

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Cat & Mouse by James Patterson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was my first venture into Fiction via Audio book. As always, James Patterson was entertaining and engaging . . . it didn't lose it's appeal over this medium. What I DID lose from it was some of the nuances I get from the written word. For instance, spelling turns out to be important and when someone tells me a word, I don't readily visualize the spelling of that word. Further, listening to "romantic" scenes with the narrator's innonation kind of grossed me out (much like hearing a friend describe in detail might be a bit of an over-share). Overall, this was entertaining and a good break for my commute. James Patterson is a master of spinning tales with unexpected twists and turns. This book was no exception.

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Going Rogue?

I'll admit that I have a sick fascination with all things Sarah Palin. I just adore watching her talk like a high school drop out. I mean, if I were blindfolded (or if I didn't see her from the neck down) I would swear that she was giving interviews outside of a DQ while periodically taking bites from a corndog and sipping from a PBR. Or, perhaps, she reminds me of other butter queens . . . like my favorite, Caitlin Upton:



My question is this . . . is talking shit really "being a Maverick" or "going Rogue"? I mean, I get that she needs to blame looking like an idiot during the campaign on someone else. In some ways, I understand how being yelled at by campaign advisers would make someone hesitant to break rules. But COME ON! It was her decision to do what she was told. It was her decision to give non answers. Playing the blame game will do only one thing to address the "you-are-stupid" rumors . . . make you look unaccountable AND stupid. Sarah, say what you like about your kid's baby daddy's aspiring career in porn, at least he is honest about what he wants.

For all those shit talkers out there . . . enjoy the following comparison videos:

Exhibit A:


Exhibit B:

Pathetically Awaiting a Teen Movie

Watching Jimmy Fallon who says there is a stripper-like moment where Taylor takes off his shirt. I'm pretty dang excited.

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

Missing my Vacation and my Car

view from St. Clement
Originally uploaded by t4tdog

Was it really just a month ago that we were in Wine Heaven? I can't wait for my car to get done being worked on so I can venture up to St. Helena again. Oh! And so I don't have to drive a crappy Dodge Caliber

A Year Ago Yesterday

It seems like yesterday that I sat in front of CNN watching the exit polls come in. I'm pretty dang excited to see that day (and the months leading up to it) from another point of view.